A quick look at the Hickey worm gear winch

[jeffahart]

I finally had some time to take a good look at the Hickey Enterprises worm drive that's been relegated to the corner of my garage since my folks dropped it off on Thanksgiving weekend. Been busy! I hooked the motor to a battery and it winds both directions, nice and strong motor, but it pops out of gear easily though... not sure what's up with that.

I will drain oils and clean it up; then if it seems fit for duty, I will begin the bumper build.

Any how, here's some pics and my thoughts. Any input is welcome, especially if you have some hands on with one.

I initially was going to pick up a hydraulic winch, I like them. Then this came up and I jumped on it. I like it because it's period correct.

I weighed it, it dresses out at 120lbs with cable mount iron and oil, not bad!


The original mounting flat iron on front and rear angle iron is 5/16 and I don't dig that huge chop around the case on the flat iron.


The angle iron is cut at both mounting ends, I don't really dig that either.


Looks like you can rotate the gearbox plate, so plug can be worm down or worm up mount. They have it setup for worm on top. I will keep it that way.
It looks like any way you mount it is OK, worm up, worm down, over drum pull, under drum pull.


See the other side the Hickey Enterprises verbiage is upside down!